Disorientation and dementia at 31

A person with dementia may experience disorientation. This is when someone cannot understand where they are in space and time. Although this is most common in elderly people, one of the youngest people to experience this was just thirty-one when diagnosed. Becky Barletta is a ski instructor from the UK, who has frontotemporal dementia, affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Becky experienced changes to her personality, behaviour, language and motor skills. She also has difficulty with disorientation, not knowing where she is from time to time. Due to the severity of her condition, Becky has had to move back in with her parents and now receives 24 hour care. As this is an uncurable disease, it is important that her friends and family are well equipped to support her through this challenging journey.

Here are some tips to support someone you may know who also has dementia:

-Never argue with them, arguing can cause anxiety which is very harmful to someone with this disease. Try to be agreeable as long as it doesn’t harm them or you.

-Practice empathy, never make your loved one feel shame or guilt for their need of you. Be there for them, support them as best you can and try to make their life as positive and uncomplicated as it can be.